The arrest of Ghanaian cyber-fraud suspect Frederick Kumi, popularly known as ‘Abu Trica’, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against transnational cybercrime.
Attention has now turned to the severe legal consequences facing the alleged scam kingpin, who could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison in the United States if convicted.
EOCO confirmed the high-profile arrest in a statement issued on Friday, December 12, 2025, describing it as the result of a coordinated international operation targeting one of Ghana’s most notorious alleged cyber fraudsters.
Extradition and Possible 20-Year Jail Term
According to EOCO, Frederick Kumi is accused of masterminding an elaborate romance scam valued at approximately $8 million, which targeted vulnerable elderly victims across the United States.
Following his arrest on Thursday, December 11, the suspect is expected to be extradited to the United States to face trial on multiple criminal charges.
In its statement, EOCO outlined the offences and the stiff penalties associated with them under US law.
“‘Abu Trica’ will subsequently be extradited to the United States of America to face criminal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification. He faces up to 20 years in prison,” the statement said.
If convicted, the suspect could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years on each count, underscoring the gravity of the alleged crimes and the tough stance taken by US authorities against international financial fraud.
How the $8 Million Scam Operated
EOCO described the arrest as the culmination of months of intensive investigations involving several local and international agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), INTERPOL, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), and the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
Investigators disclosed that the criminal network employed advanced artificial intelligence tools to create highly convincing fake online personas.
These fabricated identities were used to emotionally manipulate elderly victims, drawing them into fake romantic relationships before defrauding them of large sums of money, property and other valuable assets.
EOCO noted that the use of AI technology reflects a growing and more sophisticated trend in cybercrime, where technology is increasingly exploited for emotional and financial manipulation.
Commending the joint effort, EOCO praised its local and international partners for their collaboration in dismantling the syndicate.
“EOCO wishes to congratulate its local sister agencies as well as the FBI for their collaboration,” the statement added.
